How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it could quickly become deadly if not careful. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in an accident on the water, then you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention right away in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical records and other evidence is needed to support a claim for damages including future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Photos and video footage can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence since it gives details regarding the incident that could otherwise be ignored. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the timeline of events that occurred in the incident.

A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine which parties could be responsible for victim's injuries and other expenses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties, which includes the boat's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims not say anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. File a Report

If a boating accident happens, the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement agencies and complete a report on the incident. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you could have 48 hours to file a report if the accident results in death or injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat gets lost.

You should also stay at the scene of the accident and assist other boats or individuals if possible without endangering your own safety or that of the victims. This will let the law enforcement officer note important details, such as what caused the accident and who was on the boat accident lawsuits at the time of the crash and what caused it.

However, even the most well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in water-related accidents because of the negligence of someone else. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the person who was negligent in causing your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party may also result in monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain or loss of quality life, and emotional stress due to the incident.

3. Examine the damages

After medical professionals have examined all injuries and found that everyone is in a safe location, it is important to take a good look at the damage to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to examine the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the initial report to the damage and then start figuring out the value of the damages.

It is impossible to control every single factor that can cause a boat accident lawsuit crash. If there was a defect on the boat, you might be in a position to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer who manufactured the boat.

In these cases it is vital to have a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases because they are able to create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types of boats are covered by different insurance policies. Homeowners insurance, for instance, will usually only cover small boats with engines under 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company immediately after you feel secure and have been to a doctor for any injuries. You'll likely have to notify them even when no police report has been filed. Be careful when you provide details to insurance companies, as they may try to assign blame for an accident. This can decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame given to you.

If you're able to to, it's a good idea to gather information on the other boat operators or owners who were involved in the crash. Included in this list are their names, addresses and phone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy of the boating accident report that is filed.

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and can result in serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical costs, lost earnings and damages. The responsible parties should be accountable for any harm that they cause. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not give you the compensation you're entitled to, so it is important to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will allow you to focus on improving and leveling the playing fields.